Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.307

c5.307

1) General information. From time immemorial belief in Devas has existed in every country and all religions have lauded their superior nature and power. It was the Hindus and the Buddhists who first applied the term ‘Deva’ to certain very subtle beings recognised in all religions. The Pārsi religion (Zaratuṣṭra) has spoken about seven Devarājans and their attendants. ‘Ameṣ pentas’ is the actual term used for the Devarāja. The Christian religion refers to nine sects of Devas like Śrāfi, Kherubi, Dominion, Angel etc. Islam refers to four chief Devas viz. Gabriel, the presiding Deva over revelations, Mikhayel of protection, Asriyal of death and Israfin of resurrection. An important section of the Ṛgveda is Sūktas about Devās like Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa, Agni, etc. In Yajñas etc. Devas occupy a very important place. The Kenopaniṣad states that the conceited and haughty Devas were taught a lesson by God. The subject matter of the Kaṭhopaniṣad is the advice given by Yama to Naciketas. The Muṇḍakopaniṣad says that the Devas, man and birds originated from God.¹ There are references about Deva worship in the Smṛtis. The Purāṇas and Upapu-